Co-op jumps to it for Zoë's Place

Published date: 12 June 2018 by Marc Dwyer

The “sky’s the limit” for Co-op fundraisers who have raised £37,000 for Coventry-based baby hospice, Zoë’s Place.

The money has been raised by the Co-op in the region through a series of fundraising activities including cake sales, raffles, bike rides and, a fundraising parachute jump - in memory of a colleague’s son who lost his own battle for life in April.

The Hospice works to provide palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged from birth to 5 years suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, with no cost to the families.

The funding boost will provide a range of equipment and therapies for the hospice’s new out-building, and contribute to the cost of essential nursing care.

Sarah Tomlinson (pictured), 40, a HR employee for The Co-op in the region, conquered her fear of heights to take part in her first ever parachute jump, leaping from around 2.5 miles above Hinton Airfield, Brackley. Sarah was joined in jumping by fellow HR colleague Lyndsey Atkinson, 34, Co-opStore Manager, Lisa Deason, 30, and Regional Manager, Vicky Haw, 37.

Chris Ward, Fundraising Manager at Zoe’s Place, Coventry, said:“This is an incredible amount of money – the enthusiasm with which the Co-op have supported the hospice, and the money and awareness they have raised has been a superb achievement. It is fundraising that keeps this hospice open for the families that rely on our nursing team – and so we would like thank colleagues from the Co-op, its members and customer, for their incredible support – the money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of many other families, and leave a lasting legacy.”

Sarah, said: “This parachute jump was an incredible experience - really good fun and terrifying in equal measure! The whole fundraising experience has been life changing. To be part of a team that has raised such awareness and essential funds is a proud achievement in itself - but also to face my personal fears of heights and to make my children so proud is truly a moment I’ll treasure forever. I would also like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all my colleagues in stores across the region, our members and customers for their kind and generous support and donations in memory of our little fighter who recently lost his battle. The money will make a big difference to other children and their families. It has been a humbling experience, and I would like to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart.”

Vicky said: “The jump was really exhilarating – and “flew” by so quickly. The free-fall was rapid and really good fun, then once the parachute opening everything seemed so calm and quiet and the view was fantastic. An incredible experience, it was amazing to see my family waving as I got closer to landing. This is an incredible cause to raise money for, the good that can come out of it by far out-weighs any pre-jump nerves I felt. I am extremely proud of colleagues at the Co-op for raising such an amazing amount of money and want to thank every store-colleague, our members and customers for their kind support which we know will make such a difference to the lives of other poorly children, and their families, in the region.”